This was officially announced by the American fighter in an interview with MMAJunkie.
“They called me on Friday and asked me if I wanted to weigh in next week,” Muhammad stated. “Obviously, they realize that Colby and Leon are two of the most inactive welterweights in the division. Neither of those guys like to fight, but they’re both good on the run. So to back it up, they called a dude who always comes out when needed.”
“As for me, I’ve been practicing all this time just in case something happens. The last two main event number tournaments were canceled, and after my last fight with Gilbert Burns, which I took on short notice, I told myself I didn’t want to lose form like that again. Because I was in terrible shape and had the toughest weight race of my life. From that moment on, I made a promise to myself to be a professional and not to gain like that again”
Recall that the welterweight title fight between British Leon Edwards and American Colby Covington will headline UFC 296, which will take place on December 16 in Las Vegas and will be the last event of the world’s strongest league in the current year.